No one wants to give up the freedom and convenience of driving.

Older Americans prefer private vehicles over all other forms of transportation. Drivers 65 and older take more than 80 percent of trips in their own vehicles.

Unfortunately, aging can cause a decline in the ability to:

• Judge speed of oncoming vehicles.
• Recognize objects at the outer edges of your field of vision.
• Shift focus to different objects that may appear, such as signs or pedestrians.
• Perceive detail and differences in color and contrast.
• Accurately judge distances.

If you're unsure of your ability to perform tasks required for driving, ask a trusted friend or family member to monitor your driving. The decision to stop driving is a tough one, but most of us want to make a responsible choice that protects ourselves and others.

In the past few months, have you:

• Suffered a stroke, heart attack or diminished eyesight?
• Experienced difficulty negotiating sharp turns and intersections?
• Hesitated over right-of-way decisions or situations you once took for granted?
• Been surprised by the sudden presence of other vehicles or pedestrians?
• Received negative feedback from other drivers?
• Become lost on familiar routes?
• Felt nervous or exhausted after driving?
• Been cited for traffic violations or found at fault in crashes?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you may need a thorough evaluation by a physician, occupational therapist, certified driver rehabilitation specialist or other healthcare professional. Additional resources are available to help seniors gauge their ability to keep driving safely.

• "AAA Roadwise Review" - AAA's new computer-based screening tool that allows seniors to check key mental and physical abilities required for safe driving.
• Through its Safe Driving for Mature Operators program, AAA offers practical advice and guidance for drivers over age 55. Many insurers offer discounts for seniors who complete the course or others like it.
• Read the American Medical Association's Physician's Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers to learn more about what can be done to help maintain driving fitness, as well as recommendations for rehabilitation and counseling for patients who may be at-risk behind the wheel.
• How your car "fits" you is key to ensuring safer driving. To learn more about adjusting your car for comfort and safety, see AAA's CarFit: Helping Mature Drivers Find Their Perfect Fit brochure.
• Visit the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety's Web site for senior drivers for more tips and information.
• Take the Drivers 55+ Self-Rating Quiz and rate your driving skills.